Why Arsenal insisted on a recall clause in Nwaneri’s deal

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·5 September 2026

Why Arsenal insisted on a recall clause in Nwaneri’s deal

Arsenal allowed Ethan Nwaneri to join Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of this season, but the Gunners included a recall clause in the agreement that took him to the German club.

Nwaneri spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympique Marseille because he was not getting as much game time as he would have liked at the Emirates. Arsenal know that regular football is important for his development at his age, making another loan move a sensible option.

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The Gunners view Nwaneri as a top talent, but they also face the challenge of ensuring he continues to develop properly. With Arsenal struggling to fit him into their plans at the Emirates, allowing him to spend a season elsewhere could allow him to play more matches.

Nwaneri has chance to impress at Dortmund

The attacker will now have opportunities to impress at BVB, where Arsenal hope he can gain valuable experience through regular involvement. However, the recall clause was not included simply because the Gunners wanted the option to end the loan if Nwaneri does not receive enough game time.

Instead, Arsenal could have another reason for wanting the ability to bring him back during the season. The Gunners may need him to provide additional cover if their attacking options become limited during the second half of the campaign.

According to Sky Germany, one of the reasons Arsenal included the recall option is that they could need Nwaneri back in their team. The Gunners have also not signed enough attackers to carry them through the entire season as a team, which could leave them needing additional options later in the campaign.

(Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Arsenal could bring Nwaneri back

If Arsenal experience a shortage of attackers in the second half of the season, they want the flexibility to bring Nwaneri back from his loan spell. That option could prove particularly useful if the squad becomes stretched and the Gunners need another attacking player.

For Nwaneri, the priority remains getting regular opportunities and continuing his development at Dortmund. Arsenal will hope the move gives him the experience he needs while also retaining the ability to call him back if circumstances at the Emirates change.

The recall clause therefore gives Arsenal flexibility while allowing Nwaneri to pursue regular football in Germany.

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